David Ornstein: £2m Ajax left-back set for Selhurst switch | OneFootball

Crystal Palace Close in on Borna Sosa Deal from Ajax

Crystal Palace appear set to bolster their defensive ranks with the low-cost but high-pedigree signing of Croatian international Borna Sosa from Ajax. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Sosa has been granted permission by Ajax to travel to the UK ahead of a proposed £2million move, with a medical scheduled for Monday.

This transfer could prove to be a shrewd piece of business by Palace, who are looking to add depth and competition for Tyrick Mitchell in the left-back slot. The deal also reflects the club’s wider ambitions as they prepare for a potential campaign in Europe.

Sosa’s Journey: From Stuttgart to Selhurst

The 27-year-old left-back arrives with a CV that includes top-flight football in Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy. After making 115 appearances across five seasons with VfB Stuttgart, Sosa joined Ajax in 2023. Though he only played 25 times for the Dutch giants, his talent was evident during a loan spell at Torino last season, where he made 20 appearances in Serie A.

More impressively, Sosa was an integral part of the Croatian side that reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, starting five of their six matches. That kind of international pedigree is rare for a player potentially arriving as a rotational option.

Left-Back Landscape at Palace

Tyrick Mitchell has firmly established himself as Palace’s first-choice left-back since 2021, offering consistency and solid defensive contributions. Last season, Ben Chilwell joined on loan from Chelsea but managed just a single Premier League start in 11 appearances, underlining the need for reliable cover.

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Adding Sosa would not only provide backup but also inject a different style of play down the left flank. Known for his crossing ability and attacking runs, Sosa offers a more forward-thinking option compared to the more defensive-minded Mitchell.

Off-Pitch Complications and European Ambitions

While Palace await UEFA’s ruling on their Europa League participation—pending clarity around Lyon’s financial issues and ownership links via Eagle Football—the club is acting with intent in the market. Their earlier acquisition of Argentine goalkeeper Walter Benitez on a free was another smart move.

Ownership change may also be on the horizon. Eagle Football’s majority stake (43%) in Palace has been agreed for sale to Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets. The Premier League has yet to ratify that transaction.

Sosa Signing Signals Palace’s Elevated Ambitions

If the Sosa deal goes through, it marks another step forward in what could be a transformative summer for Crystal Palace. Securing a player of his experience and quality for just £2million could turn out to be a bargain—especially if Palace do end up juggling domestic and European competitions.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Palace fan, this move for Borna Sosa feels both exciting and sensible. For just £2million, we’re potentially getting a player with World Cup pedigree and experience across top leagues in Europe—something you don’t see every day at Selhurst Park. His loan spell at Torino and his crossing prowess offer something different to Mitchell’s more disciplined style. In European fixtures, that blend of options could be invaluable.

With Ben Chilwell’s short-lived loan stint not panning out, it’s crucial that we get left-back cover right this time—and Sosa seems to tick all the boxes. He’s experienced but still has a few good years left in him, and at 27, he should be hitting his peak.

The UEFA uncertainty is frustrating, but it’s encouraging to see the club pushing ahead regardless. Bringing in Sosa and Benitez already suggests we’re preparing for European football seriously. Hopefully, the ownership situation doesn’t derail the momentum we’ve built since winning the FA Cup.

There’s a quiet optimism building at Palace—and if Sosa settles quickly, he could play a vital role in what could be a landmark season for the club.